Funes preaches 'Don Juan and Juanillo' philosophy ahead of Cultural Leonesa's Rosaleda debut
Málaga boss Juanfran Funes talks fearlessness and living in the moment as Cultural Leonesa prepare for their historic first-ever visit to La Rosaleda.
Málaga gaffer Juanfran Funes isn’t having any of this pressure talk as his squad prepares to host Cultural Leonesa in a fixture that marks the visitors’ maiden voyage to La Rosaleda.
From relegation fears to playoff dreams
The Málaga manager was in fine form during his pre-match presser, doubling down on his now-famous “Don Juan and Juanillo” philosophy – his way of saying the club can’t swing between extremes of arrogance and timidity.
“A few weeks back everyone was banging on about relegation worries. Now it’s all about whether we’ll make the playoffs,” Funes explained, clearly amused by the shifting narratives surrounding his team.
The gaffer seems chuffed with his squad’s mentality, particularly highlighting their fearlessness:
“If they weren’t scared when we were facing relegation, why would they be scared now? Their training sessions have been absolutely brilliant. The last thing these lads lack is bottle. Their youth probably helps them approach everything with enthusiasm and desire.”
Contract? What contract?
Despite his contract running out faster than a cabbie with the meter off, Funes isn’t losing sleep over his future at the club. Both he and the sporting director see their deals expire in June, but the manager’s keeping his powder dry.
“I’m only concerned with enjoying this opportunity. I don’t think beyond that,” he stated, embodying his live-in-the-moment ethos. “When fear creeps in, you stop being yourself. I’m very relaxed. This job is a gift and I’m enjoying it with great happiness.”
Funes, who candidly admitted he “was bottom of Segunda RFEF when they took a chance on me,” seems determined to ride this wave wherever it takes him.
Historic visit for Cultural
Sunday’s clash carries extra significance for the visitors from León, as it marks Cultural Leonesa’s first-ever appearance at La Rosaleda in their history. It’s the only stadium in the division they’ve never played at, despite having previously competed at various other Segunda venues during their 2017/18 campaign.
Javier Ziganda’s men have been based in Marbella since Tuesday, preparing for this historic fixture against a Málaga side riding high on confidence.